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21-02-2014

ARA News

Aleppo, Syria− The Syrian air force targeted on Thursday several neighbourhoods in the city of Aleppo, in the framework of an extensive military crackdown by regime forces started nearly two months ago.

Noureddin Hamid, a human rights activist based in Aleppo, told ARA News that the pro-regime air forces bombed on Thursday al-Firdos neighbourhood in Aleppo, killing three civilians and wounding ten others.

“The district of Bustan al-Qaser saw increasing violence as pro-Assad snipers stationed on tops of residential buildings and targeted pedestrians. At least two civilians were shot dead in Bustan al-Qaser on Thursday,” Hamid added.

Meanwhile, clashes erupted between regime forces and fighters of Jabhat al-Nusra (backed by other Islamic Brigades) in the vicinity of the central prison of Aleppo, amid artillery shelling by the pro-regime forces. Heavy machine guns were used during the clashes, local sources reported.

In a linked development, rebels of the Islamic Front took over the village of Burj al-Rumman in the southern countryside of Aleppo, after launching an attack against a Syrian military checkpoint at the entrance of the village. Several fighters from both sides were killed during Thursday’s operations, but no specific number of casualties was reported. Activists said that the Islamic Front fighters seized weapons and ammunitions after the withdrawal of the regime forces from the area.

Over two months, hundreds of explosive barrels were reportedly dropped on the city by helicopters and warplanes loyal to the Assad regime, claiming lives of hundreds of civilians.